Scientology has always called out to people in psychological confusion or distress. Basically, it's a religion that is less religion in the traditional sense and more a general philosophy (basically rephrasing the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights) with psycholanalysis built in. Remember the old daytime and late night TV ads for Dianetics? They throw up questions like, "Why do I feel inadequate to my spouse?" and, "Why do I close the bathroom door when no one else is home?"

Ugh, definitely. The guy who owns the place I get my hair cut keeps going in for plastic surgery. He's been under the knife a half dozen times in the last year.

He says some people go through a mid-life crisis and buy a new car... he's buying a new face.

The guy looks like a freak more and more every time I see him. Seriously, he had his eyes "tucked" or whatever, and I can't look at him without my eyes watering. Christ, use the money on a new dual GHz PowerMac - something useful at least.

The mentally unbalanced (not necessarily mentally ill in the clinical sense) are already primed for reprogramming. Even if you're not crazy going in, they pretty much mind **** you (L. Ron Hubbard preferred the term "soul cracking") so you are later. Scientology is Satanism wrapped in an alien conspiracy.

I have a ton more respect for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints than I do for Scientology. Mormons try to do good and usually do it. I have serious doubts about Scientology's top brass. That's my big beef. I find both very odd in ways, true of any faith. But one is more sinister IMO.

Dude, that's a good question... Why do I close the bathroom door when no one's home? Bash the Scientologists all you want, I bet you don't know either.
I do know why I do not walk back to my room naked when I think no one's home. But that's another kettle of fish entirely.

[quote]Originally posted by wyntir:
<strong>Dude, that's a good question... Why do I close the bathroom door when no one's home? Bash the Scientologists all you want, I bet you don't know either.
I do know why I do not walk back to my room naked when I think no one's home. But that's another kettle of fish entirely.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Many people turn to (Christian) God during periods of their life of great distress/anguish, when perhaps they are vunerable to suggestion, or could be considered to be mentally unstable/fragile. Just as many are converted during thier early years by their parents, when they are not mature enough to accept that there may be a different scenario but those of their much loved parents, who they trust to be making decisions in their best interests.

[quote] When she was at that Jane Fonda network, I thought she looked like a senior version of Kiefer Sutherland. Now, for Kiefer Sutherland, that's not bad looking. But for a Greta Van Whatserface to look like a Kiefer Sutherland is not terrific.

[quote]Originally posted by wyntir:
<strong>Dude, that's a good question... Why do I close the bathroom door when no one's home? Bash the Scientologists all you want, I bet you don't know either.</strong><hr></blockquote>

It's not a matter of whether it Scientology a real religion or not. Satanism can easily be considered a real religion. Does that make it OK? No. I once said in a totally unrelated thread that it's not good enough to just believe in something, to have any old idea to legitimize your actions. There is a qualitative difference between different beliefs, values, ideas. I am not being un-American or bigoted when I say I do not like the Church of Scientology.

To Marc: I don't have a problem with people seeking support in the CoS. My problem with it is that while you (with your own free will) may go to Scientology, you do not go through Scientology by free will. Your free will is taken out of the equation. Same can be said for rather shameful times in other Churches (like mine -- remember the Inquisitions?). I have a problem with the top brass of the CoS, not all members.

Oh, and Gretta looks awful -- plastic, like a Playboy bunny, like half the Barbie dolls in Hollywood. More importantly, it's a setback for women journalists who shouldn't have to be pretty (lord knows the men aren't usually) to be important journalists.